Donegal

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Donegal

Donegal is a small town in County Donegal, northwest Ireland. This charming town serves as the gateway to some of Ireland's most beautiful landscapes and cultural heritage. When in Donegal, explore the historic Donegal Castle. This fortress was built in the 15th-century by Irish clan chief Red Hugh O’Donnell. Stroll around the Diamond, the town's central square, which is surrounded by quaint shops, pubs, and restaurants. Take a Donegal Bay Waterbus tour to enjoy stunning views of the bay. During the cruise, you may also encounter some wildlife, including a seal colony. Finally, visit Lough Eske, a picturesque lake set against the backdrop of the Bluestack Mountains. With its blend of history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality, Donegal Town is a must-visit destination in Ireland.

Travel Tips for Donegal

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Donegal

A guide to Donegal's local transportation

Bus

Taxi

Car Rental

Local Link operates bus services connecting various towns in County Donegal. For example, bus 292 connects Donegal Town to Ballyshannon, and bus 293 connects Donegal Town to Glencolmcille. Fares are around €3 for a single journey. You can pay for your ticket with a TFI Leap card or the TFI Go app.

Practical Tips for Donegal

Things to prepare and best way to visit

Is Donegal in the UK or Ireland?

Donegal is in the Republic of Ireland, not the UK. Citizens of certain countries, including Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore, do not need a visa to enter Ireland. If you are not from one of these countries, you will need to obtain an Irish visa to visit Donegal. Please note that an Irish visa is different from a UK visa.

How do I get to Donegal from Dublin?

The quickest way to travel from Dublin to Donegal is by car, which takes approximately 3 hours via the M3 and N3 highways. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Busáras, Dublin's main bus station, to Donegal Abbey Hotel. This journey will take around 3.5 to 4 hours. There is no direct train service to Donegal Town, but you can take a train from Dublin to Sligo and then transfer to a bus for the remainder of the journey. There are direct flights from Dublin Airport to Donegal Airport. However, since the airport is an hour's drive from downtown Donegal, other transportation options might be more convenient.

What are the top attractions in Donegal?

Visit Donegal Castle, located in the heart of Donegal Town. Built in the 15th century, the fortress crumbled in the 18th century but has since been beautifully restored. Enjoy the stunning scenery of Donegal Bay with a cruise on the Donegal Bay Waterbus, departing from the Donegal Town pier. Another must-see attraction is the Donegal Railway Heritage Centre, which offers a glimpse into the region's railway history.

What are some free things to do in Donegal?

There are several free activities to enjoy in Donegal. The Diamond, the town’s main square, is a great place to shop, dine, or simply soak up the atmosphere. If you enjoy the outdoors, go to the picturesque Lough Eske, perfect for a peaceful retreat or a scenic walk. Additionally, from April to October, Donegal Castle offers free admission on the first Wednesday of every month.

What language is spoken in Donegal?

In Donegal, the primary language spoken is English. However, Irish, particularly the Ulster dialect, is also used. You'll see Irish on signage and place names throughout the area. To enhance your experience, consider learning a few Irish phrases like "dia dhuit" (pronounced dee-uh gwit), which means “hello.”